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The way has finally been cleared for New Zealand to export apples to Australia, ending years of bickering between the two countries.

But Australia's federal opposition party says it's not confident that Australian quarantine inspectors have the resources to stop devastating diseases such as fire blight and European canker from coming in with the New Zealand fruit.

Only commercially mature fruit can be imported under guidelines proposed by Australia's director of animal and plant quarantine.

The fruit will need to be washed with high-pressure water spray and brushed in the packing house to remove surface contamination from pests and trash such as leaf litter.

Australia's Trade Minister Craig Emerson told parliament yesterday the decision had not been taken lightly and was based on science.

Any apple consignments that did not meet Australia's import requirements would be rejected, Dr Emerson said.

The system will be audited and verified by Australian authorities before the apples leave New Zealand, and Australian quarantine officers will inspect all consignments when they land in Australia.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott told reporters in Canberra there was no certainty disease would not get into Australia with imported apples.

"That's what we are calling on the government to ensure - that no diseased apples come into this country - and we are far from confident that the Australian quarantine service at the present time can do that," Mr Abbott said.

Apple and Pear Australia chairman John Lawrenson agreed, saying all Australian growers should now fear the appearance of fire blight, leaf curling midge or European canker.